The use of cashflow planning among paraplanners has seen a marked uptick over the past few years, our September Parameters survey shows.
The survey records that 93% of firms now use cashflow planning tools in 2025, up from 71% when we undertook a similar survey in 2018.
Do you use cashflow planning with clients?
2025: 2018
Yes 93% 71%
No 7% 29%
This increase highlights the central role cashflow forecasting now plays in helping clients visualise their financial futures and understand the impact of their decisions.
By laying out how their assets, spending, and goals interact over time, cashflow modelling can help clients to “think about their assets and timeline their future,” as one respondent put it, through creating a visual, scenario-based picture of their financial lives.
Another planner noted that “cashflow engages clients more — it helps paint a picture and leads to better planning.” Rather than relying purely on projections or statements, clients can see the consequences of their decisions – from retiring earlier to helping children financially or adjusting investment levels.
“For true accuracy in projecting the years ahead, cashflow modelling provides the best illustration,” one respondent explained.
Paraplanners also value cashflow’s ability to demonstrate the value of advice and justify ongoing planning relationships. One firm focussed on HNW clients reported that they saw it as “appropriate for those paying ongoing fees of at least £3,000 per year,” noting that it strengthens both service delivery and client retention.
However, others argued that cashflow “should be available to any clients where it is appropriate,” regardless of wealth, adding that “it’s not necessarily something that works for all clients” and doesn’t need to be updated annually if circumstances remain stable.
The survey showed that cashflow is being used for different client segments, with 76% of rims using it for all their clients. While some use it “typically for larger clients,” others argue it can be “more beneficial for those with lower incomes,” as it provides structure and reassurance for those with tighter resources. As one paraplanner said: “It really can help all clients, no matter what their wealth.”
Do you cashflow modelling for…
All clients 76%
Clients with net wealth over £100k 2%
Clients with net wealth over £200k 2%
Clients with net wealth over £250k 8%
Clients with net wealth over £300k 2%
Clients with net wealth over £500k 10%
In addition, 78% of paraplanners said they felt cashflow modelling should be available to all clients. 11% disagreed and 11% were unsure about it.
The survey suggests that paraplanners are increasingly at the heart of cashflow production, analysis, and presentation, with modelling used to include in preparing suitability reports and for use in client meetings. Some paraplanners (27%) are also joining client meetings to talk through scenarios, helping advisers explain the impact of different planning options in real time.
Do you attend client meetings?
Yes 27%
No 73%
If Yes, do you present on cashflow within any client meetings?
Yes 80%
No 20%
Others, however, report that cashflow remains adviser-led. “Cashflow is currently run by advisers only,” one respondent shared, “because unless the paraplanner has all the details needed, it makes it hard to run. The adviser is best placed to build it given their knowledge of the client and circumstances.” This highlights the importance of collaboration and data accuracy – paraplanners need complete and up-to-date client information to make the modelling meaningful.
Despite its advantages, not every firm or client is suited to full-scale cashflow modelling. Time and cost were raised as key barriers. One firm noted that “there still has to be a cost to clients, so having cashflow and it being updated each year should depend on the fee segment and level of service agreement being paid for.”
Others said that it wasn’t seen as “relevant” for all clients – particularly those with simpler affairs or limited assets. Younger clients, for example, “may not see the benefit,” one respondent said, as their circumstances and goals change frequently, making detailed long-term projections less valuable. A few also point to the time-consuming nature of the process and the technical issues some systems present.
Overall, the data shows that most firms now seem to have embraced cashflow planning not just as a compliance or presentation tool, but as an integral part of delivering meaningful financial advice. When used well, paraplanners said it could “deepen client understanding, demonstrate the tangible impact of advice, and support more confident decision-making”.
The challenge remains in the balancing of accessibility, relevance, and cost. As technology continues to improve and paraplanners play a greater role in its application, cashflow planning looks set to be at the fundamental heart of financial planning conversations.
As one paraplanner said: “How any advisers work with clients without some form of cashflow is beyond me.”
